Leo Pereyra on for Daniel Ponce de Leon
Manuel Roman Salado on for Ayman Elghobashy
Michael Negrette on for Marco Meireles

Elghobashy, Farinha, Power and Bosio all return to the staring IX after a very good run out for the Reserves earlier in the week. Carrasco makes his full debut in midfield as Manolo shuffles the pack for the third game in five days. Cup football under the lights with the challenge to progress into the Quarter Finals of the Rock Cup for the first time since the early 2000’s.

It took United all of 5 minutes to stamp their authority on this game after a goal shy attempt versus Lynx last weekend. Elghobashy, restored to the line up following a 3 match ban, took the bull by the horns and blasted United into a 5 minute lead after picking up a delightful ball from deep delivered by Chino. A drop of the shoulder and he had ghosted past the full back and into the area. The powerfully placed shot had almost burst the back of the net before Cafer in the Manchester goal had time to react. An explosive start and it set the tone for the first 45 minutes.

The Red and Whites dominated the game from then on. Ayman was a constant pressure up front harrassing the Man 62 play makers while Dani and Marco picked up on any lost balls. Behind them Jamie Bosio, also recalled to the starting line up, was having his game of the season so far. He was immense and seemed to be everywhere at the same time. Indeed it was his bravery in going in for a ball at the near post that was the source of United’s second goal. After crashing solidly into the post and winning the ball, Boiso left Marco, who was following up play, with a simple tap in. 2-0 up and sailing but both Jamie and Cafer were left on the floor. Though the former recovered quickly the latter was subbed off a few minutes later.

Man 62 were incapable of stopping United’s attacks and several chances were created. Bosio himself narrowly sent the ball just wide of the stanchion while Dani blasted just over from the D. Farinha was bossing the right wing and as Mr Borg called time on the first 45 minutes United supporters were elated to see their team in the ascendancy.

Man 62 started the second half meaning to make a fight for it and though an element of roughness came into their play, they fought hard to get into the game. Striker Morgan was fighting for every ball and was making life somewhat uncomfortable for United’s centre halves. Thats until Ponce de Leon showed his class. He had come close to a goal previoulsy and his rasping finish, close to the post, sealed Man 62’s fate as he drilled a shot past Gonzalez in the 53rd minute. Vanessa Correa captured the moment on video.

The 3rd goal however served to galvanize Man 62 that surged forward. Their efforts were rewarded with frankly a fantastically taken goal by Galvez that thundered in an unstoppable shot following a corner. As time ebbed away the game took on a further physical bent with Mr Borg forced to brandish a number of yellows to both sides. Indeed former United defender Catania saw a second booking and received his marching orders late in the half.

United deserved winners and move on to the Rock Cup quarter finals. Next up its…Man 62 once again in the league on Monday at 20:30